Homilies 2014

Homily: Mass for deceased members of the Knights of the Southern Cross, November, 2014

‘As Christians, ... we offer Masses for the repose of souls, particularly in this month of November. We ponder the Scriptures and the teaching of the Church on the meaning of death and suffering; and we work — as Knights of the Southern Cross know so well — to support those who are left behind.' - Bishop Leslie Tomlinson

Homily: Mass of farewell: Ms Phil Billington, November, 2014

‘Tonight we are gathering to farewell and to express gratitude to our colleague and Director of Catholic Education, Ms Phil Billington. She has worked well in the five years she has been Director and prior to that as Deputy Director, to show that there are intrinsic elements to education and formation.' - Bishop Leslie Tomlinson

Homily: SSEB address, November, 2014

‘May we rejoice in the assurance that Christ is with us in our work for Catholic Education, continuing to pray for our oneness, our unity: and let us continue to work for greater unity in our Catholic faith. The witness of the Gospel depends on it.' - Bishop Leslie Tomlinson

Homily: Ordination to the Diaconate, September, 2014

‘We congratulate and thank Stephen Bolling, Novelito Lim and Junray Rayna, as they respond to the love of Christ in presenting themselves here today for ordination to the diaconate, in preparation for the priesthood in the coming year.' - Bishop Leslie Tomlinson

Homily: Jubilians’ Mass - Catholic Education, Sandhurst, 2014

‘We read today one of the most beautiful episodes in the life of Saint Paul, who never had it easy! He was greatly used by God to bring salvation to the Gentiles, but everywhere he proclaimed the Gospel, Paul was opposed. I wonder how many of us would be able to withstand the hostility Paul attracted.' - Bishop Leslie Tomlinson

Homily: Divine Mercy Feast, 2014

‘In Rome today, on the Feast of Divine Mercy, Pope Francis will proclaim John XXIII and John Paul II as saints. The choice of date is significant as the Feast of Divine Mercy was commissioned by Pope John Paul II. Established in 2000, it is celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter.' - Bishop Leslie Tomlinson

Homily: Centenary of death of Divo Barsotti, 2014

‘Today we celebrate the centenary of the death of Divo Barsotti who died at the age of 92 on February 15, 2006, at his hermitage of Saint Sergius in Settignano, north of Florence.' - Bishop Leslie Tomlinson

Homily: Easter Sunday, 2014

‘This morning we are rejoicing with the Universal Church. This is the day of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ! Our Lenten journey, I’m sure, has brought about a change of heart in each one of us — whether in small or large ways. So now we are ready; now we can share in the joy of Easter. We can share in Jesus’ triumph over death. This is the day of the ‘new creation’. This is truly the day that the Lord has made!' - Bishop Leslie Tomlinson

Homily: Easter Vigil, 2014

‘Matthew's account is the most dramatic of the four resurrection narratives. Mary Magdalene and one other Mary go to the tomb. An earthquake takes place, and the angel rolls back the stone and says ‘He is not here, he has risen as he said he would’. The resurrection has taken place already, but the angel commissions the women to go tell the disciples of Jesus' resurrection and to let them know that they shall see him in Galilee.' - Bishop Leslie Tomlinson

Homily: Good Friday, 2014

‘Today we confront a reality that is inescapable. Today we meet the fundamental symbol of our Christian faith - the cross. And the cross brings us face to face with the reality of suffering, of sin and of death. In our liturgy today we revisit the darkest moments of the Passion, and we re-live the pain, the mental anguish, the abandonment of Jesus.' - Bishop Leslie Tomlinson

Homily: Mass of the Lord's Supper, 2014

‘Jesus has long and profound discussion with His closest followers at supper, going into great detail about the content of His message and the meaning of the events that are about to take place. Jesus focuses on love , unity and service, and on the promise of greater things to come. He pours water to wash the feet of the disciples. Suddenly their roles are reversed and their Lord and Master becomes the servant.' - Bishop Leslie Tomlinson

Homily: Catholic Education: Leadership Commissioning Mass, 2014

‘This is what faith is all about! It is the response of the rational and free human person to the word of the living God. The questions that Jesus asks, the answers given by the Apostles, and finally by Simon Peter, are a kind of examination on the maturity of the faith, of those who are closest to Christ.' - Bishop Leslie Tomlinson

Homily: Funeral Mass - Sister Gerard , 2014

‘Today we give thanks to God for the life of Sister Gerard, as a Poor Clare, for the witness that her living out of this vocation faithfully, has shown. Through her goodness and service of the community, she has given witness as a religious for forty-nine years and not least of all, her prayers have won graces for her community, her family and friends, the Church, the wider community and particularly the Diocese of Sandhurst.' - Bishop Leslie Tomlinson

Homily: Galen College - Opening of School Mass , 2014

‘I find the beginning of a new school year is invigorating! We leave the more restful and reflective time of summer and now face up to the challenges and pace of a new year. It’s invigorating because of the excitement of new classes, meeting new students and teachers, and undertaking new initiatives.' - Bishop Leslie Tomlinson

Homily: Commencement of the Legal Year, 2014

‘I have endowed him with my spirit: that he may bring true justice to the nations’ the prophet Isaiah makes it clear that the Lord's main concern is for true justice. It is clear that the Lord is not merely concerned about what is accomplished for the sake of his plan, but his concern is also for the manner in which ministry is conducted. Justice is not to be accomplished through force.